Tugboat-barge connection system

ABSTRACT

In a tugboat-barge connection system a hook-shaped latching member is mounted on the barge and a T-shaped latching member is mounted on the tugboat for cooperation with the hook-shaped latching member to couple the tugboat to the barge. A hydraulic cylinder is provided for extension to position the T-shaped latching member both for coupling to and uncoupling from the hook-shaped latching member, and for retraction to draw the tugboat and the barge together and into proper positioning for the tugboat to propel the barge. The hydraulic cylinder includes a piston rod having a locking portion comprising a segmented screw and a housing including a main portion secured to the tugboat and a locking portion comprising an internally segmented nut which is aligned with the segmented screw portion of the piston rod when the hydraulic cylinder is in the retracted position and which is adapted for rotation relative to the piston rod to threadedly engage the segmented screw portion of the piston rod, thereby securing the T-shaped latching member in the retracted position. The locking portion of the housing is secured to the main portion by means of a plurality of bolts extending from the main portion parallel to the piston rod and through the locking portion and a plurality of expandable nuts each normally threadedly engaged with the distal end of one of the bolts to secure the locking portion of the housing to the main portion thereof. The expandable bolts are each adapted for actuation by fluid pressure for release from the associated bolt. Therefore, in the event that it is necessary to uncouple the tugboat from the barge in a situation in which the locking portion of the housing cannot be disengaged from the piston rod, a fluid pressure signal is simultaneously applied to all of the expandable nuts, thereby releasing the locking portion of the housing from the main portion thereof. This permits actuation of the hydraulic cylinder to the extended condition even though the internally segmented screw of the locking portion of the housing remains threadedly engaged with the segmented screw of the locking portion of the piston rod.

United States Patent 1191 Swohoda, Jr. et al.

[ TUGBOAT-BARGE CONNECTION SYSTEM [75] Inventors: John J. Swoboda, ,lr.;Lawrence T.

Boatman, both of Victoria, Tex,

[73] Assignee: Victoria Machine Works, Victoria,

Tex.

[22] Filed: Oct. 19, 1973 [211 App]. No.: 408,091

[52] US. Cl. 114/235 A; 114/235 [51] Int. Cl. B6313 21/60 [58] Field ofSearch 114/235 R, 235 A, 77 R,

114/77 A, 213, 216-217, 230-232; 280/482, 479 R, 508-510; 85/32, 47, 65,71-72; 213/125; 102/494; 24/241 P; 287/58 R [56] References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 3,257,985 6/1966 Glosten 114/235 R 3.257986 6/1966Glosten.... 114/235 R 3,788,259 1/1974 Colin .1 114/235 A 3,788.26]1/1974 Collin 114/235 A Primary ExaminerTrygve M. Blix AssistantE.raminerJesus D. Sotelo Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Richards, Harris &Medlock [57] ABSTRACT [451 July 1,1975

shaped latching member both for coupling to and uncoupling from thehook-shaped latching member, and for retraction to draw the tugboat andthe barge together and into proper positioning for the tugboat to propelthe barge. The hydraulic cylinder includes a piston rod having a lockingportion comprising a segmented screw and a housing including a mainportion secured to the tugboat and a locking portion comprising aninternally segmented nut which is aligned with the segmented screwportion of the piston rod when the hydraulic cylinder is in theretracted position and which is adapted for rotation relative to thepiston rod to threadedly engage the segmented screw portion of thepiston rod, thereby securing the T-shaped latching member in theretracted position. The locking portion of the housing is secured to themain portion by means of a plurality of bolts extending from the mainportion parallel to the piston rod and through the locking portion and aplurality of expandable nuts each normally threadedly engaged with thedistal end of one of the bolts to secure the locking portion of thehousing to the main portion thereof. The expandable bolts are eachadapted for actuation by fluid pressure for release from the associatedbolt. Therefore, in the event that it is necessary to uncouple thetugboat from the barge in a situation in which the locking portion ofthe housing cannot be disengaged from the piston rod, a fluid pressuresignal is simultaneously applied to all of the expandable nuts, therebyreleasing the locking portion of the housing from the main portionthereof. This permits actuation of the hydraulic cylinder to theextended condition even though the internally segmented screw of thelocking portion of the housing remains threadedly engaged with thesegmented screw of the locking portion of the piston rod.

12 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PMF TF JUL 1 SHEET MTPTFP JUL 'l 1975$892,196 SHEET 4 FIG. 4

TUGBOAT-BARGE CONNECTION SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION This inventionrelates to a tugboat-barge connection system. and more particularly to atugboat-barge connection system having emergency release apparatus.

THE PRIOR ART At the present time. a wide variety of materials andcargos are transported on barges which are propelled by tugboats. Inpractice. the tugboat is positioned adjacent one end of the barge and issecured thereto by means of a tugboat-barge connection system. Oneembodiment of a tugboat-barge connection system which has served well inpractice includes a hydraulic cylinder which is utilized to engagelatching apparatus on the tugboat with cooperating latching apparatus onthe barge. In order to insure that the tugboat and the barge are rigidlysecured. such prior art systems have included structure for locking thehydraulic cylinder in the retracted condition. When it is desired touncouple the tugboat from the barge. the locking structure is disengagedand the hydraulic cylinder is extended to uncouple the latchingapparatus. whereupon the tugboat is permitted to move away from thebarge.

During the transportation of such materials as explosives andpotentially dangerous chemicals, there exists the possibility of theneed to quickly disconnect the tugboat from the barge. For example. itis possible that a leak could occur in chlorine gas cylinders beingtransported on a barge. resulting in the tugboat personnel being exposedto lethal chlorine gas. Inasmuch as the gas masks carried on boardtugboats are generally suitable only for relatively short periods oftime, it becomes imperative in such a situation to immediatelydisconnect the tugboat from the barge and to move the tugboat asubstantial distance from the barge.

In the use of the above-described type of prior art tugboat-bargeconnection system. problems have occasionally arisen during attempts toquickly disconnect the tugboat from the barge. For example. in certaininstances the tugboat-barge connection system necessarily remains in thelocked condition for a substantial period of time. during which gallingor other deterioration of the component parts of the system caneffectively disable the locking structure. thereby preventing actuationof the locking structure to unlock the hydraulic cylinder for actuationto uncouple the tugboat from the barge. Such a failure of the tugboat toquickly move away from the barge could result in safety hazards. and,accordingly. a need has arisen for a tugboat-barge connection systemwhich may be positively unlocked in case of an emergency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a noveltugboatbarge connection system which fulfills the abovedescribed needand simultaneously overcomes various other problems long sinceassociated with the prior art. In accordance with the broader aspects ofthe invention. a tugboat-barge connection system includes latchingapparatus on the barge. latching apparatus on the tugboat. and fluidpressure operated cylinder apparatus for extending the latchingapparatus of the tugboat to facilitate coupling to and uncoupling fromthe latching apparatus of the barge and for retracting the latchingapparatus to draw the tugboat and the barge together.

Locking apparatus is provided for securing the cylinder apparatus in theretracted condition. The system further includes emergency releaseapparatus independent of the locking apparatus for facilitatingoperation of the cylinder apparatus to extend the latching apparatus andthereby uncouple the tugboat from the barge even though the lockingapparatus remains in the lock condition.

In accordance with more specific aspects of the invention, the cylinderapparatus includes a housing comprising a main portion secured to thetugboat and a locking portion detachably secured to the main portion. Apiston rod extends from the housing and includes a locking portion forcooperation with the locking portion of the housing to define thelocking apparatus of the system. The emergency release apparatusfunctions to detach the locking portion of the housing from the mainportion thereof. thereby permitting actuation of the cylinder apparatusto extend the piston rod and the latching apparatus connected thereto.

In accordance with still more specific aspects of the invention. thelocking apparatus comprises a segmented screw portion of the piston rodand an internally segmented nut portion of the housing positioned tothreadedly engage the segmented screw portion of the piston rod when thecylinder apparatus is in the retracted condition. The emergency releaseapparatus comprises a plurality of bolts extending from the main portionof the housing parallel to the piston rod and passing through thelocking portion of the housing. An expandable nut is normally threadedlyengaged with the distal end of each bolt for cooperation therewith tosecure the locking portion of the housing to the main portion. Theexpandable nuts are responsive to an emergency pressure signal fordisengagement from the bolts, thereby permitting actuation of thecylinder apparatus to extend the piston rod even though the internallysegmented screw portion of the housing remains threadedly engaged withthe segmented screw portion of the piston rod.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete understanding of theinvention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Descriptionwhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:

FIG. I is a side view of a tugboat-barge connection system incorporatingthe invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the system in which certain portionshave been broken away more clearly to illustrate certain features of theinvention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged top view of the system in which certain parts havebeen broken away;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged end view of the system in which certain parts havebeen broken away;

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are illustrations of progressive steps in theoperation of the system of FIG. 1 in coupling a tugboat to a barge;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are illustrations of the normal operation of the systemin uncoupling the tugboat from the barge; and

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are illustrations of the operation of the system ofFIG. 1 in uncoupling the tugboat from the barge under emergencyconditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly toFIG. I thereof. there is shown a tugboat-barge connection systemincorporating the invention. In the practice of the invention. thesystem 20 is utilized in conjunction with a tugboat 22 to effect bothcoupling of the tugboat to and uncoupling of the tugboat from a barge24. Following coupling. the system 20 is also utilized to draw thetugboat 22 and the barge 24 together. and to lock the vessels in theirrespective positions illustrated in FIG. I. The tugboat 22 is thereuponutilized to propel the barge 24 in the usual fashion.

The system 20 includes a first latching apparatus 26 which is mounted onthe tugboat 22. The apparatus 26 includes a housing 28 which encloses aball and socket joint 30. A pair of cylindrical arms 32 extend outwardlyfrom the opposite sides of the ball and socket joint 30, whereby thelatching apparatus 26 comprises a generally T-shaped member.

A second latching apparatus 34 is mounted on the barge 24. The apparatus34 includes a camming surface 36, a lower hook-shaped portion 38, anupper curved portion 40, and a surface 42 extending angularly upwardlyand interconnecting the lower hook-shaped portion 38 and the uppercurved portion 40. A support finger 44 includes a support surface 46 anda tip 48. The apparatus 34 further includes a latching finger 50. Duringuncoupling operations, the latching finger 50 serves to support thefinger 44 in such a position that the surface 46 prevents the arms 32 ofthe latching apparatus 26 from entering the lower hook-shaped portion38, and thereby facilitates uncoupling of the latching apparatus 26 fromthe latching apparatus 34. Following the uncoupling operation. anapparatus 52 actuates the latching finger 50 to restore the componentparts of the latching apparatus 34 to the positions illustrated in FIG.1.

The latching apparatus 26 is supported on the tugboat 22 by a hydrauliccylinder 60. The hydraulic cylinder 60 is provided with a housingincluding a main portion 62 which is secured to the tugboat 22 by meansof a ball and socket joint 64. The main portion 62 of the housing of thehydraulic cylinder 60 receives a conventional piston (not shown) havinga piston rod 66 extending therefrom. In the operation of the apparatus20, pressurized hydraulic fluid is selectively admitted to and spenthydraulic fluid is simultaneously withdrawn from the opposite ends ofthe main portion 62 of the housing of the hydraulic cylinder 60. By thismeans the hydraulic cylinder 60 operates through the piston rod 66 toselectively extend and retract the latching apparatus 26.

Pressurized hydraulic fluid for operating the hydraulic cylinder 60 issupplied by apparatus 70 mounted on the tugboat 22. The apparatus 70includes an electric motor 72 which drives one or more hydraulic pumps74. The flow of hydraulic fluid between the apparatus 70 and thehydraulic cylinder 60 is regulated by a plurality of conventional valves76. The valves 76 are coupled to the hydraulic cylinder by means ofsuitable lines 78 and a manifold 80 mounted in the deck of the tugboat22. Electrical power for operating the motor 72 of the apparatus 70 issupplied by a generator driven by the engine of the tugboat 22.

The operation of the system 20 in coupling the tugboat 22 to the barge24 will be better understood by reference to FIGS. 5A. 5B and 5C. Thetugboat 22 is initially maneuvered relative to the barge 24 until thearms 32 of the latching apparatus 34 engage the camming surface 36 ofthe latching apparatus 34 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 5A. Thehydraulic cylinder 60 is then actuated to extend the latching apparatus26. This operation is continued until the arms 32 of the latchingapparatus 26 drop into engagement with the lower hook-shaped portion 38of the latching apparatus 34 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 5B.

The hydraulic cylinder 60 is then actuated to retract the latchingapparatus 26. Retraction of the hydraulic cylinder 60 is then continuedso that the tugboat 22 and the barge 24 are drawn toward one another.This operation is continued until a bumper 82 on the tugboat 22 engagesa bumper 84 on the barge 24, whereupon the vessels are positioned in themanner illustrated both in FIG. 5C and FIG. 1.

The normal operation of the system 20 to uncouple the tugboat 22 fromthe barge 24 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The hydraulic cylinder60 is initially actuated to extend the latching apparatus 26. Thiscauses the arms 32 to ride upwardly on the surface 42 until they engagethe upper curved portion 40 of the latching apparatus 34. As the arms 32enter the upper curved portion 40, they engage the tip 48 of the finger44. By this means the finger 44 is cammed upwardly until the surface 46extends substantially horizontally in the manner illustrated in FIG. 68.At this point the latching finger 50 moves under the finger 44 andthereafter functions to retain the finger 44 in the raised position.

The function of the finger 44 is to prevent the arms 32 of the latchingapparatus 26 from re-entering the lower hook-shaped portion 38 of thelatching apparatus 34. Therefore, as soon as the finger 44 is positionedas shown in FIG. 6B. the hydraulic cylinder 60 is actuated to retractthe latching apparatus 26. When the latching apparatus 26 clears thelatching apparatus 34, the hydraulic cylinder 60 falls downwardly underthe action of gravity until it engages a cushioned guide device 86mounted on the deck of the tugboat 22. The tugboat 22 may then bemaneuvered away from the barge 24.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the tugboat-barge connection system20 further includes apparatus for locking the latching apparatus 26 inthe retracted position illustrated in FIG. 1. As is best shown in FIGS.2 and 4, the piston rod 66 of the hydraulic cylinder 60 includes alocking portion 102 comprising a segmented screw 104. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate the fact that structure of this type isfrequently identified with breech block locking structure for firearmsand similar applications. As is best shown in FIG. 2, the segmentedscrew 102 is provided with a buttress thread, it being understood thatother thread types may be utilized in the practice of the invention. ifdesired.

The housing of the hydraulic cylinder 60 of the systern 20 is alsoprovided with a locking portion 106. The locking portion I06 includes anannular member I08 comprising an internally segmented screw adapted tothreadedly engage the segmented screw 104 of the locking portion 102 ofthe piston rod 66. As is best shown in FIG. 4, the circumferentialdimensions of the threaded portions of the internally segmented screw110 are similar to but somewhat smaller than the circumferentialdimensions of the unthreaded portions of the segmented screw 104, andthe circumferential dimensions of the threaded portions of the segmentedscrew 104 are similar to but somewhat smaller than the circumferentialdimensions of the unthreaded portions of the internally segmented screw110. Therefore.

whenever the threaded portions of the segmented screw 104 are alignedwith the unthreaded portions of the internally segmented screw 110 andvice versa. the piston rod 66 is unlocked. and the hydraulic cylinder 60is adapted to extend and retract the latching apparatus 26 in the mannerillustrated in FIGS. 5A. 5B and SC. and in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

The locking portion 106 of the housing of the hydraulic cylinder 60further includes a cylindrical housing 112 which is normally fixed tothe main portion 62 of the housing of the hydraulic cylinder. Thehousing 112 is provided with an internal thread 114 which is identicalin pitch to the segmented screw 104 and the internally segmented screw110. An annularly shaped member 116 is mounted between the housing 112and the annular member 108 and is provided with an external thread 118which threadedly engages the thread 114 of the housing 112. The member116 is further provided with a shoulder 120 which engages a corresponding shoulder 122 on the annular member 108.

A ring gear 124 is secured to the annularly shaped member 116 by meansof a plurality of fasteners 126. A plurality of plungers 128 are mountedfor rotation with the ring gear 124 and are spring biased outwardly fromhousings 130 secured thereto. Each plunger 128 supports a friction pad132 which engages the facing surface of the annular member 108. Thisestablishes a friction drive between the ring gear 124 and the annularmember 108. whereby the annular member 108 is urged to rotate with thering gear 124.

Referring to FIG. 4. the locking apparatus 100 further includes a pairof hydraulic motors 140 each having an output pinion 142. The pinions142 are mounted in mesh with gear 144 which are in turn mounted in meshwith the ring gear 124. Therefore, upon actuation of the hydraulicmotors 140, the ring gear 124 is caused to rotate relative to the pistonrod 66.

Referring again to FIG. 2. rotation of the ring gear 124 causes rotationof the annularly shaped member 116 relative to the housing 112. Sincethese parts are threadedly engaged by means of the threads 114 and 118.the annularly shaped member 116 is caused to move leftwardly (FIG. 2).Moreover. due to the engagement of the the shoulder 120 on the annularlyshaped member 116 with the shoulder 122 on the annular member 108.rotation of the ring gear 124 also effects leftward movement (FIG. 2) ofthe annular member 108.

Leftward movement of the annular member 108 continues until theinternally segmented screw 110 on the annular member 108 comes intoalignment with the segmented screw 104 of the locking portion 102 of thepiston rod 66. As soon as the internally segmented screw 110 and thesegmented screw 114 come into alignment, the friction drive between thering gear 124 and the annular member 108 causes rotation of the annularmember 108 relative to the piston rod 66 thereby threadedly engaging theinternally segmented screw 110 with the segmented screw 104. The annularmember 108 is rotated approximately one-eighth turn. whereupon theoperation of the hydraulic motor 140 is terminated by means ofappropriate limit switches.

At the conclusion of the foregoing operations, the piston rod 66 and thelatching apparatus 26 connected thereto are securely locked to thehousing of the hydraulic cylinder 60 and hence to the tugboat 22. Thetugboat 22 is thereafter utilized to propel the barge 24 in the usualfashion. When it is desired to uncouple the tugboat 22 from the barge24, the normal operation of the locking apparatus involves carrying outthe foregoing steps in reverse order. That is. the ring gear 124 isrotated in the reverse direction. thereby causing rotation of theannular member 108 relative to the piston rod 66 until the unthreadedportions of the internally segmented screw are aligned with the threadedportions of the segmented screw 104 and vice versa. It will beunderstood that rotation of the annular member 108 in the unlockingdirection is also terminated by means of appropriate limit switches andresults in restoration of the component parts of the locking apparatus100 to their original positions. This in turn facilitates operation ofthe hydraulic cylinder 60 to extend and retract the latching apparatus26 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 5A. 5B and SC in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. in actual tugboatoperations the locking apparatus 100 is often utilized infrequently.This is because during operation of a tugboat is propelling one or morebarges, it is often necessary for the vessels to remain interconnectedfor long periods of time, frequently for as long as several months orlonger. When this fact is considered together with the fact that thetugboat is frequently operated in a salt-air environment. and furtherconsidering the fact that barges are frequently utilized to transportchemicals and other substances of a highly corrosive nature. it will beunderstood that it is sometimes impossible to effect rotation of theannular member 108 of the locking apparatus 100 relative to the pistonrod 66. In such instances the piston rod 66 remains locked and thehydraulic cylinder 60 cannot be operated to extend the latchingapparatus 26 and thereby uncouple the tugboat 22 from the barge 24.

It will be further appreciated that under emergency circumstances, anydifficulty in rotating the annular member 108 relative to the piston rod66 in order to effect unlocking of the system 20 might lead todisastrous results. For example. assume that the barge 24 is carrying acargo of chlorine gas cylinders. In the event that a leak develops inone of the cylinders. the tugboat 22 must be immediately uncoupled fromand moved a substantial distance apart from the barge 24 in order toprevent exposure of the tugboat personnel to lethal chlorine gas.

In order to eliminate any delay whatsoever in uncoupling the tugboat 22from the barge 24, the apparatus 20 is provided with an emergencyrelease mechanism 150. Referring to FIG. 2, the housing 112 of thelocking portion of the housing of the hydraulic cylinder is secured tothe main portion 62 of the housing of the cylinder by means of aplurality of bolts 152. The bolts 152 extend parallel to the piston rod66 and pass through the housing 112. The housing 112 is normally securedin place on the bolts 152 by means of a plurality of releasable nuts 154each of which is normally threadedly engaged with the distal end of oneof the bolts 152.

The nuts 154 may comprise any of the various commercially availabledevices of the type which are adapted to normally retain the componentparts in an assembled condition and to release the component parts inresponse to the receipt of an emergency signal. For example, the nuts154 may comprise any of various commercially available explosive devicesor any of various commercially available pressure actuated devices.Preferably. however. the nuts 154 are of the type disclosed and claimedin the co-pending application of Lawrence T. Boatman and John J.Swoboda. Jr.. filed Jan. 30. l973. Ser. No. 328,380. for EMERGENCYRELEASE LOCK NUT. the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

As is best shown in FIG. 3. a manifold 156 is mounted on the housing112. A plurality of lines 158 are provided each extending from themanifold 156 to one of the nuts 154. Therefore. whenever an emergencysignal is directed to the manifold 156. the nuts 154 are simultaneouslyactuated. In the case of releasable nuts of the type disclosed in theabove-identified Boatman and Swoboda application. the emergency signalis a pressure signal and the nuts 154 are actuated in response to thepressure signal for disengagement from the distal ends of the bolts 152.By this means the entire locking portion 106 of the housing ofthehydraulic cylinder 60 is immediately disengaged from the main portion 62thereof. This in turn permits the locking portion 106 to move with thepiston rod 66 as the hydraulic cylinder 60 is actuated to extend thelatching apparatus 26 and thereby uncouple the tugboat 22 from the barge24.

The operation of the emergency release mechanism 150 in facilitatinguncoupling of the tugboat 22 from the barge 24 will be better understoodby reference to FIGS. 7A. 7B and 7C. Upon the application of an emergency pressure signal to the manifold 156. the nuts 154 aresimultaneously actuated. As is best shown in FIG. 7A, this causes aslight axial extension of the nuts 1S4. whereby the nuts are releasedfrom the bolts 152. Following the release of the nuts 154 from the bolts152, the hydraulic cylinder 60 is actuated to extend the latchingapparatus 26. Since the locking apparatus 100 is still in the lockedcondition. this action causes the locking portion 106 of the housing ofthe hydraulic cylinder to move with the piston rod 66. The lockingportion 106 of the housing is therefore disengaged from the main portion62 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 78. It will be noted that duringthis action. the bolts 152 remain connected to the main portion 62thereof. This illustrates an advantage to the use of the releasable nutsdisclosed and claimed in the above-identified Boatman and Swobodaapplication in that actuation ofthe emergency release apparatus 150 doesnot result in the generation of shrapnel flying about the tugboat as isoften the case with explosive devices.

Operation of the apparatus in the emergency mode is identical tooperation of the apparatus in the normal mode insofar as the operationof the latching apparatus 26 and the latching apparatus 34 areconcerned. Thus. as the latching apparatus 26 is extended under theaction of the hydraulic cylinders 60, the finger 44 is cammed upwardlyand is locked in the raised position by the latching finger 50. Thispermits the tugboat 22 to immediately move away from the barge 24.Thereafter. the condition which prevented rotation of the annular member108 to unlock the piston rod 66 may be corrected. whereupon thecomponent parts of the tugboabbarge connection system 20 are reassembledand the system is returned to service.

FIG. 2 further illustrates numerous design features of the tugboat-bargeconnection system 20 which combine to provide superior operatingcharacteristics and to simplify maintenance of the system. Anaccordionpleated protection boot 164 extends continuously from thelocking portion 106 of the housing of the hydraulic cylinder to thelatching apparatus 26. The protection boot 164 is connected to an endplate 166 of the housing and cooperates therewith to prevent exposure ofthe component parts of the locking apparatus to the elements. Furtherprotection is provided by a cylindrical housing section 168 extendingfrom the main portion 62 of the housing to the housing 112 of thelocking portion 106. Conventional seals 170 are provided at theintersections of the relatively moving parts within the lockingapparatus 100.

Referring briefly to FIG. 4, the end plate 166 is provided with anarcuately shaped slot 172 which receives a conventional grease fitting174. Returning to FIG. 2, the grease fitting 174 extends to a passageway176 which directs lubricant to the internally segmented screw and to thespace between the annular memher 108 and the annularly shaped member116. Bronze overlay bearings 178 are also provided between the annularmember 108 and the annularly shaped member 116, and between theannularly shaped member 116 and the housing 112. All of this structureis intended to provide free relative movement between the componentparts of the locking system 100, thereby facilitating not only lockingof the system 20 but also unlocking of the system by means of the normalprocedure.

In addition to permitting uncoupling of the tugboat 22 from the barge 24under emergency conditions, the emergency release mechanism permitsdisassembling of the locking apparatus 100 from the hydraulic cylinder60 without removing the entire system 20 from the tugboat 22. This ishighly advantageous in that it provides access to packing structure 180which is located between the piston rod 66 and the main portion 62 ofthehousing of the hydraulic cylinder 60. This permits the packing structure180 to be adjusted and/or replaced without requiring disassembly of theentire hydraulic cylinder 60.

The main portion 62 of the housing of the hydraulic cylinder 60 includesan end member 182 and a tubular member 184. These parts areinterconnected by a collar 186 which receives the bolts 152 of theemergency release apparatus 150. This construction has been found to behighly advantageous in that it permits the use of external threads 188on the tubular member 184. This is advantageous in that the externalthreads 188 may be manufactured to very close tolerances. therebyfacilitating both assembly and disassembly of the hydraulic cylinder 60.This construction has also been found to substantially prevent gallingof the component parts of the main portion 62 of the housing of thehydraulic cylinder 60.

It is believed that a greater appreciation of the significance of thepresent invention may be had by means of a brief summary of thespecifications of the tugboatbarge connection system 20. The hydrauliccylinder 60 has an internal diameter of 38 inches. and the piston rod 66has a diameter of 18 inches. The overall length of the apparatus 20 whenthe component parts thereof are positioned as shown in FIG. 1 of theDrawings is approximately 28 feet. The overall weight of these componentparts. including both the tug mounted components and the barge mountedcomponents. is approximately I80.000 pounds.

From the foregoing. it will be understood that the present inventioncomprises a tugboat-barge connection system which incorporates numerousadvantages over the prior art. Thus. the system operates reliably tocouple a tugboat to a barge. and thereafter to draw the tugboat and thebarge together and into the desired positioning with respect to eachother whereby the tugboat may be utilized to propel the barge. After thetugboat and the barge are properly positioned. the locking apparatus isactuated to securely retain the vessels in the desired relationshap. Thelocking apparatus is normally operated in the reverse direction tofacilitate uncoupling of the tugboat from the barge. However. in theevent that the locking apparatus cannot be operated to facilitateuncoupling. the emergency release mechanism may be utilized tofacilitate rapid uncoupling of the tugboat from the barge. therebyfacilitating movement of the tugboat away from the barge.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been illustratedin the Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description. itwill be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodimentsdisclosed. but is capable of numerous rearrangements. modifications. andsubstitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit ofthe invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A boat-barge connection system comprising:

first latching means mounted on the barge;

second latching means mounted on the boat for cooperation with the firstlatching means to couple the boat to the barge;

cylinder means supporting the second latching means on the boat andadapted for actuation by fluid pressure to extend the second latchingmeans and thereby facilitate coupling and uncoupling of the first andsecond latching means and to retract the second latching means andthereby draw the boat and the barge together and into a predeterminedpositioning with respect to each other;

said cylinder means including a housing comprising a main portionsecured to the boat and a locking portion and a piston rod extendingfrom the housing to the second latching means and including a lockingportion. said locking portion of the housing and the piston rod operablefor locking the cylinder means in the retracted condition; and

emergency release means independent of the locking means for selectiveactuation to permit operation of the cylinder means to extend the secondlocking means and thereby uncouple the boat from the barge even thoughthe locking means remains in the locked condition. said emergencyrelease means including a plurality of bolts extending from the housingparallel to the piston rod and through the locking portion of thehousing and a plurality of expandable nuts each normally threadedlysecured to the distal end of one of the bolts for cooperation therewithto normally retain the locking portion of the housing secured to themain portion thereof. said nuts responsive to the receipt ofapredetermined emergency signal to disconnect the locking portion of thehousing from the main portion thereof.

2. The boat-barge connection system according to claim 1 wherein thelocking portion of the piston rod comprises a segmented screw andwherein the locking portion of the housing comprises an internallysegmented nut positioned in alignment with the segmented portion of thepiston rod when the cylinder means is in retracted condition and adaptedfor rotation with respect to the piston rod to threadedly engage thesegmented screw portion thereof.

3. A tugboat barge connection system comprising:

first latch means mounted on the barge;

second latch means mounted on the tugboat for cooperation with the firstlatch means to secure the tugboat to the barge;

a piston rod supporting the first latch means and having a lockingportion;

a housing receiving the piston rod and including a main portion securedto the tugboat and a locking portion for cooperation with the lockingportion of the piston rod to secure the piston rod to the housing;

said housing and piston rod comprising cylinder means adapted foractuation by fluid pressure to selectively extend the piston rod andthereby position the second latch means both for coupling to and foruncoupling from the first latch means and to selectively retract thepiston rod and thereby draw the tugboat and the barge together and intorelationship with respect to each other whereby the tugboat may propelthe barge;

bolt means secured to the main portion of the housing;

releasable nut means normally threadedly engaging the bolt means forcooperation therewith to secure the locking portion of the housing tothe main portion thereof; and

means for selectively releasing said nut means for detaching the lockingportion of the housing from the main portion and thereby facilitatingactuation of the cylinder means to extend the piston rod and therebyuncouple the tugboat from the barge even though the piston rod remainssecured to the locking portion of the housing.

4. The tugboat-barge connection system according to claim 3 wherein thelocking portion of the piston rod comprises a segmented screw andwherein the locking portion of the housing comprises an internallysegmented nut which is aligned with the segmented screw portion of thepiston rod when the cylinder means is retracted and which is supportedfor rotation relative to the piston rod to threadedly engage thesegmented screw portion thereof and thereby secure the piston rod to thehousing.

5. The tugboat barge connection system according to claim 3 wherein:

said bolt means comprise a plurality of elongate bolts secured to themain portion of the housing and extending therefrom substantiallyparallel to the axis of the piston rod through the locking portion ofthe housing;

said nut means comprise a plurality of releasable nut means eachnormally threadedly engaged with the distal end of one of the bolts forcooperation therewith to secure the locking portion to the main portionof the housing; and

means for simultaneously admitting fluid pressure to all of the nutmeans to disengage the nut means from the bolts and thereby permitdisengagement of the locking portion from the main portion of thehousing.

6. A vehicular connection system which comprises:

first latch means on a first vehicle;

second latch means on a second vehicle for cooperation with the firstlatch means to couple the vehicles;

cylinder means including a housing mounted on the second vehicle and apiston rod extending from the housing for supporting the second latchmeans;

said cylinder means for selective extension both to couple the secondlatch means to the first latch means and to uncouple the second latchmeans from the first latch means and for selective retraction to drawthe vehicles together and into a predetermined relationship with respectto each other;

said piston rod of the cylinder means including a portion comprising asegmented screw;

said housing of the cylinder means including a portion comprising aninternally segmented nut which is aligned with the segmented screwportion of the piston rod when the cylinder means is in the retractedcondition and which is adapted for rotation with respect to the pistonrod to threadedly engage the segmented screw portion of the piston rodand thereby lock the piston rod of the cylinder means in the retractedcondition;

bolt means extending from the main portion of the housing and throughthe portion of the housing comprising the segmented nut.

nut means normally threadedly engaging the bolt means to secure theportion of the housing comprising the segmented nut to the main portionof the housing and adapted for selected release from the bolt means topermit disengagement of the portion of the housing comprising thesegmented nut from the main portion of the housing; and

means for actuating said nut means for selectively detaching the portionof the housing comprising the segmented nut from the remainder of thehousing and thereby facilitating extension of the cylinder means todisconnect the first latch means from the second latch means even thoughthe segmented nut portion of the housing remains threadedly engaged withthe segmented screw portion of the piston rod.

7. The vehicular coupling apparatus for coupling a tugboat to a bargeaccording to claim 6 wherein the nut means are each adapted foractuation by a fluid pressure to disengage the bolt means and therebyfacilitate movement of the portion of the housing comprising thesegmented nut out of engagement with the bolt means as the piston rod ofthe cylinder means is extended.

8. A tugboat-barge connection system which comprises:

a hook-shaped latching member mounted on the barge;

a T-shaped latching member mounted on the tugboat for cooperation withthe hook-shaped member on the barge to couple the tugboat to the barge;

fluid pressure operated cylinder means mounted on the barge forsupporting the T-shaped latching member and comprising a piston rodhaving a locking portion and a housing including a main portion securedto the barge and a locking portion detachably secured to the mainportion;

said cylinder means for selectively extending the rod to position theT-shaped latching member on the tugboat both for coupling to and foruncoupling from the hook-shaped latching member on the barge and forselectively retracting the piston rod and thereby drawing the tugboatand the barge together and into a towing relationship with respect toeach other;

said locking portion of the piston rod comprising a segmented screw;

said locking portion of the housing comprising a segmented nutpositioned in alignment with the segmented screw portion of the pistonrod when the cylinder means is in the retracted condition and mountedfor rotation relative to the piston rod and into threaded engagementwith the segmented screw portion thereof;

a plurality of bolt members extending from the main portion of thehousing through at least a portion of the locking portion of thehousing;

expandable nut means normally threadedly engaging the bolt members forcooperation therewith to detachably secure the locking portion of thehousing to the main portion thereof; and

means for actuating said nut means for selectively detaching the lockingportion of the housing from the main portion thereof and therebypermitting extension of the cylinder means to uncouple the T- shapedlatching member on the tugboat from the hook-shaped latching member onthe barge even though the segmented nut portion of the locking portionof the housing remains threadedly engaged with the segmented screwportion of the piston rod.

9. The tugboat barge connection system according to claim 8 wherein:

the bolt members each extend substantially parallel to the piston rod;

each of the expandable nut means is normally threadedly engaged with thedistal end of one of the bolt members;

the expandable nut means are adapted for actuation by fluid pressure fordisengagement from the bolt members; and

the means for detaching the locking portion of the housing from the mainportion thereof comprises means for simultaneously applying fluidpressure to all of the expandable nut means.

10. In a tugboat-barge connection system of the type including a firstlatching member on the barge, a second latching member on the tugboatfor cooperation with the first latching member to couple the tugboat tothe barge, and fluid pressure operated cylinder apparatus on the tugboatfor extension to position the second latching member for coupling to anduncoupling from the first latching member and for retraction to draw thetugboat and the barge toward one another and into a towing relationship,said cylinder apparatus including a piston rod having a locking portioncomprising a segmented screw and a housing including a main portionsecured to the tugboat and a locking portion including a segmented nutpositioned in alignment with the segmented screw portion of the pistonrod when the cylinder apparatus is in the retracted condition andmounted for rotation relative to the piston rod to effect threadedengagement with the segmented screw portion thereof, the improvementcomprising:

means including a plurality of bolt members extending from the mainportion of the housing through the locking portion thereof andexpandable nut means normally threadedly engaging the bolt members forcooperation therewith to secure the locking portion of the housing tothe main portion thereof, so that the locking portion of the piston rodand the housing are effective to secure the cylinder apparatus in theretracted condition. and emergency release means for detaching thelocking portion of the housing from the main portion thereof and therebypermitting actuation of the cylinder apparatus to the extended conditioneven though the segmented nut portion of the locking portion of thehousing remains threadedly engaged with the segmented screw portion ofthe locking portion of the piston rod 11. The improvement according toclaim wherein the expandable nut means comprises a plurality ofexpandable nut members each normally threadedly enpressure to all theexpandable nut members.

1. A boat-barge connection system comprising: first latching meansmounted on the barge; second latching means mounted on the boat forcooperation with the first latching means to couple the boat to thebarge; cylinder means supporting the second latching means on the boatand adapted for actuation by fluid pressure to extend the secondlatching means and thereby Facilitate coupling and uncoupling of thefirst and second latching means and to retract the second latching meansand thereby draw the boat and the barge together and into apredetermined positioning with respect to each other; said cylindermeans including a housing comprising a main portion secured to the boatand a locking portion and a piston rod extending from the housing to thesecond latching means and including a locking portion, said lockingportion of the housing and the piston rod operable for locking thecylinder means in the retracted condition; and emergency release meansindependent of the locking means for selective actuation to permitoperation of the cylinder means to extend the second locking means andthereby uncouple the boat from the barge even though the locking meansremains in the locked condition, said emergency release means includinga plurality of bolts extending from the housing parallel to the pistonrod and through the locking portion of the housing and a plurality ofexpandable nuts each normally threadedly secured to the distal end ofone of the bolts for cooperation therewith to normally retain thelocking portion of the housing secured to the main portion thereof, saidnuts responsive to the receipt of a predetermined emergency signal todisconnect the locking portion of the housing from the main portionthereof.
 2. The boat-barge connection system according to claim 1wherein the locking portion of the piston rod comprises a segmentedscrew and wherein the locking portion of the housing comprises aninternally segmented nut positioned in alignment with the segmentedportion of the piston rod when the cylinder means is in retractedcondition and adapted for rotation with respect to the piston rod tothreadedly engage the segmented screw portion thereof.
 3. A tugboatbarge connection system comprising: first latch means mounted on thebarge; second latch means mounted on the tugboat for cooperation withthe first latch means to secure the tugboat to the barge; a piston rodsupporting the first latch means and having a locking portion; a housingreceiving the piston rod and including a main portion secured to thetugboat and a locking portion for cooperation with the locking portionof the piston rod to secure the piston rod to the housing; said housingand piston rod comprising cylinder means adapted for actuation by fluidpressure to selectively extend the piston rod and thereby position thesecond latch means both for coupling to and for uncoupling from thefirst latch means and to selectively retract the piston rod and therebydraw the tugboat and the barge together and into relationship withrespect to each other whereby the tugboat may propel the barge; boltmeans secured to the main portion of the housing; releasable nut meansnormally threadedly engaging the bolt means for cooperation therewith tosecure the locking portion of the housing to the main portion thereof;and means for selectively releasing said nut means for detaching thelocking portion of the housing from the main portion and therebyfacilitating actuation of the cylinder means to extend the piston rodand thereby uncouple the tugboat from the barge even though the pistonrod remains secured to the locking portion of the housing.
 4. Thetugboat-barge connection system according to claim 3 wherein the lockingportion of the piston rod comprises a segmented screw and wherein thelocking portion of the housing comprises an internally segmented nutwhich is aligned with the segmented screw portion of the piston rod whenthe cylinder means is retracted and which is supported for rotationrelative to the piston rod to threadedly engage the segmented screwportion thereof and thereby secure the piston rod to the housing.
 5. Thetugboat barge connection system according to claim 3 wherein: said boltmeans comprise a plurality of elongate bolts secured to the main portionof the housing and extending therefRom substantially parallel to theaxis of the piston rod through the locking portion of the housing; saidnut means comprise a plurality of releasable nut means each normallythreadedly engaged with the distal end of one of the bolts forcooperation therewith to secure the locking portion to the main portionof the housing; and means for simultaneously admitting fluid pressure toall of the nut means to disengage the nut means from the bolts andthereby permit disengagement of the locking portion from the mainportion of the housing.
 6. A vehicular connection system whichcomprises: first latch means on a first vehicle; second latch means on asecond vehicle for cooperation with the first latch means to couple thevehicles; cylinder means including a housing mounted on the secondvehicle and a piston rod extending from the housing for supporting thesecond latch means; said cylinder means for selective extension both tocouple the second latch means to the first latch means and to uncouplethe second latch means from the first latch means and for selectiveretraction to draw the vehicles together and into a predeterminedrelationship with respect to each other; said piston rod of the cylindermeans including a portion comprising a segmented screw; said housing ofthe cylinder means including a portion comprising an internallysegmented nut which is aligned with the segmented screw portion of thepiston rod when the cylinder means is in the retracted condition andwhich is adapted for rotation with respect to the piston rod tothreadedly engage the segmented screw portion of the piston rod andthereby lock the piston rod of the cylinder means in the retractedcondition; bolt means extending from the main portion of the housing andthrough the portion of the housing comprising the segmented nut, nutmeans normally threadedly engaging the bolt means to secure the portionof the housing comprising the segmented nut to the main portion of thehousing and adapted for selected release from the bolt means to permitdisengagement of the portion of the housing comprising the segmented nutfrom the main portion of the housing; and means for actuating said nutmeans for selectively detaching the portion of the housing comprisingthe segmented nut from the remainder of the housing and therebyfacilitating extension of the cylinder means to disconnect the firstlatch means from the second latch means even though the segmented nutportion of the housing remains threadedly engaged with the segmentedscrew portion of the piston rod.
 7. The vehicular coupling apparatus forcoupling a tugboat to a barge according to claim 6 wherein the nut meansare each adapted for actuation by a fluid pressure to disengage the boltmeans and thereby facilitate movement of the portion of the housingcomprising the segmented nut out of engagement with the bolt means asthe piston rod of the cylinder means is extended.
 8. A tugboat-bargeconnection system which comprises: a hook-shaped latching member mountedon the barge; a T-shaped latching member mounted on the tugboat forcooperation with the hook-shaped member on the barge to couple thetugboat to the barge; fluid pressure operated cylinder means mounted onthe barge for supporting the T-shaped latching member and comprising apiston rod having a locking portion and a housing including a mainportion secured to the barge and a locking portion detachably secured tothe main portion; said cylinder means for selectively extending the rodto position the T-shaped latching member on the tugboat both forcoupling to and for uncoupling from the hook-shaped latching member onthe barge and for selectively retracting the piston rod and therebydrawing the tugboat and the barge together and into a towingrelationship with respect to each other; said locking portion of thepiston rod comprising a segmented screw; said locking portion of thehousing comprising a segmentEd nut positioned in alignment with thesegmented screw portion of the piston rod when the cylinder means is inthe retracted condition and mounted for rotation relative to the pistonrod and into threaded engagement with the segmented screw portionthereof; a plurality of bolt members extending from the main portion ofthe housing through at least a portion of the locking portion of thehousing; expandable nut means normally threadedly engaging the boltmembers for cooperation therewith to detachably secure the lockingportion of the housing to the main portion thereof; and means foractuating said nut means for selectively detaching the locking portionof the housing from the main portion thereof and thereby permittingextension of the cylinder means to uncouple the T-shaped latching memberon the tugboat from the hook-shaped latching member on the barge eventhough the segmented nut portion of the locking portion of the housingremains threadedly engaged with the segmented screw portion of thepiston rod.
 9. The tugboat barge connection system according to claim 8wherein: the bolt members each extend substantially parallel to thepiston rod; each of the expandable nut means is normally threadedlyengaged with the distal end of one of the bolt members; the expandablenut means are adapted for actuation by fluid pressure for disengagementfrom the bolt members; and the means for detaching the locking portionof the housing from the main portion thereof comprises means forsimultaneously applying fluid pressure to all of the expandable nutmeans.
 10. In a tugboat-barge connection system of the type including afirst latching member on the barge, a second latching member on thetugboat for cooperation with the first latching member to couple thetugboat to the barge, and fluid pressure operated cylinder apparatus onthe tugboat for extension to position the second latching member forcoupling to and uncoupling from the first latching member and forretraction to draw the tugboat and the barge toward one another and intoa towing relationship, said cylinder apparatus including a piston rodhaving a locking portion comprising a segmented screw and a housingincluding a main portion secured to the tugboat and a locking portionincluding a segmented nut positioned in alignment with the segmentedscrew portion of the piston rod when the cylinder apparatus is in theretracted condition and mounted for rotation relative to the piston rodto effect threaded engagement with the segmented screw portion thereof,the improvement comprising: means including a plurality of bolt membersextending from the main portion of the housing through the lockingportion thereof and expandable nut means normally threadedly engagingthe bolt members for cooperation therewith to secure the locking portionof the housing to the main portion thereof, so that the locking portionof the piston rod and the housing are effective to secure the cylinderapparatus in the retracted condition; and emergency release means fordetaching the locking portion of the housing from the main portionthereof and thereby permitting actuation of the cylinder apparatus tothe extended condition even though the segmented nut portion of thelocking portion of the housing remains threadedly engaged with thesegmented screw portion of the locking portion of the piston rod. 11.The improvement according to claim 10 wherein the expandable nut meanscomprises a plurality of expandable nut members each normally threadedlyengaged with the distal ends of one of the bolt members, and wherein theemergency release means comprises means for simultaneously disengagingall of the expandable nut members from the bolt members and therebypermitting movement of the locking portion of the housing with respectto the main portion thereof.
 12. The improvement according to claim 11wherein the expandable nut means are each adapted for actuation by fluidpressure for disengagement fRom the bolt members, and wherein theemergency release means comprises means for simultaneously applyingfluid pressure to all the expandable nut members.